North Korea has emerged as a key ally for Russia in its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, supplying not only weapons but also troops, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This military cooperation has intensified since a meeting between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un in September 2023, where they discussed mutual support in the face of Western sanctions and military threats.
Reports indicate that North Korea has supplied approximately three million artillery shells to Russia, significantly bolstering the Kremlin's military capabilities. However, Ukrainian officials have noted that the quality of this ammunition is often poor, leading to failures in combat situations. Despite this, the presence of North Korean weaponry has been linked to a steady Russian advance in the Donetsk province.
Ukrainian military sources have suggested that North Korean soldiers are training in Russia for potential deployment to the front lines, with some reports indicating that they may take on roles such as border control to free up Russian troops for active combat. This development has raised alarms in Kyiv, prompting calls for increased military support from Western allies.
In addition to military assistance, there are indications of illegal financial transactions between North Korea and Russia aimed at circumventing international sanctions. The U.S. Treasury has imposed sanctions on Russian companies allegedly involved in these illicit financial dealings, which further complicates the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
